What Your Power Tools Are Trying to Tell You

Blades getting stuck, burn marks on the wood, tools that don't have the power they used to—don't just ignore these warning signs and forge ahead with your projects. Your tools are trying to tell you what's wrong, so take a second and listen.

Skipping Screwhead

Skipping Screwhead

Problem: You're driving a screw and the bit starts skipping out of the screwhead.

What the Tool is Trying to Tell You: Either the bit tip is used up or you're holding the tool incorrectly.

When a screw gun starts chattering out of a screwhead, it's called "camming out," and it can mean one of a few things. First, your driver tip could be wearing out. Take a look at it, and if the edges are becoming rounded at all, replace it. Over time the sharp edges of the bit get beaten down and lose their ability to grip the screwhead.

Camming out can also point to an error on your part. To properly drive screws, you need to make sure that the screw gun is pointing straight into the screw. If you're holding the tool even slightly out of alignment, your bit tip won't hold as well and could slip. Also, make sure that you're pressing with adequate force to drive the screw. If you're driving longer fasteners or screws into dense hardwoods and the bit skips, this could be the problem.

Whatever the cause, don't just charge ahead in frustration. Camming out can quickly strip the screwhead, and then you've opened up a whole new set of problems. Stop what you're doing and figure out what is wrong or it will cost you more time in the long run.

Burning Wood

Burning Wood

Tool: Saws

Problem: Burn marks on the wood. Smoke where there shouldn't be smoke.

What the Tool is Trying to Tell You: The blade needs some work.

Burn marks on the wood are caused by the condition of the blade. It might be dull, or it may just need a good cleaning. Stop the saw as soon as you notice burn marks and give the blade a good inspection. If there are any teeth missing, the blade is past its prime and should be retired to the junk pile. If the teeth are intact, but there is gunk all over them, take the blade out of the saw and give it a good cleaning. Acetone, a rag, and a wire brush should take care of things. Special blade cleaners are available as well.

It's also possible that the blade is simply dull. If you're using a jigsaw or a reciprocating saw, it's easiest to just replace the blade. If we're talking about a circular saw, table saw, or miter saw—particularly something with a 10- or 12-inch blade—then you should find a hardware store that offers a sharpening service. It'll cost you a lot less than buying a new one.